RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

Job Summary :

Do you take pride in providing the highest quality of care for your residents? The Arizona State Veteran Home - Phoenix is looking for you!

As a Recreational Therapist with the Department of Veterans' Services you will be responsible for developing and implementing therapeutic recreation programs consistent with federal, state and VA regulations for the Arizona State Veteran Home in Yuma.

In this position you will maintain clinical and administrative records, therapy space, supplies and equipment, participate in care plan meetings, and be responsible for transporting Veterans to and from community outings.

You will comply with all local, state and federal laws and regulations to include department policies and procedures applicable to assigned job responsibilities while incorporating a cultural focus on Veteran / Member centered-care.

You will also actively participate in the Arizona Management System (AMS) to learn, implement and monitor AMS methods while utilizing AMS concepts and tools for problem solving and continuous work / process improvements and efficiencies.

Job Duties :

As a Recreational Therapy Technician 2 you will :

• Develop a monthly recreation calendar, maintains Activities / Recreational Therapy bulletin board and purchases items needed for planned programming
• Maintain a personal caseload of assigned Veterans / Members
• Conduct recreational therapy sessions with individuals and groups in accordance with established treatment plans and specific techniques which may include special community events and involvement with the community and veteran service organizations
• Maintain appropriate clinical and administrative records regarding diagnosis, treatment and summary of Veteran / Member progress
• Has the responsibility of completing all therapeutic recreation assessments, care plans, MDS, CAS modules and daily attendance / progress notes
• Attend care plan meetings to participate in discussions and problem-solving processes to include department and facility meetings
• Participate in special projects as assigned by the Activities Therapy Manager to include in-service trainings
• Act as a guide and trip leader to ensure proper Veteran / Member participation and safety
• Be actively involved in AMS processes such as Huddle Boards, Problem Solving, Job Breakdown Sheets, Success Tracking and Standardized work
• Other duties as assigned related to the position

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) :

Knowledge of :

• Rules, regulations, policies and procedures that govern the State of Arizona and Department of Veterans’ Services
• Therapeutic value of recreational activities
• Principles, practices and techniques of recreational therapy
• Methods used to accomplish therapeutic goals through recreational programs
• Community resources for recreational activities

Skill in :

• Applying recreational therapy techniques
• Demonstrating therapeutic recreation / activities
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Work management skills
• Basic computer skills

Ability to :

Transport residents in State vehicle

Selective Preference(s) : Pre-Employment Requirements :

Must possess at minimum a Bachelor’s degree OR professional certification. Degree must be in Therapeutic Recreation or a related field.

Accepted certifications include; Certified Recreation Therapist (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation, or National Association of Activity Professionals) or Certified Music Therapist (Certification Board of Music Therapists) or Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant.

Certification must be valid upon hire or obtained within one year of placement into position.

• Must be able to obtain and retain an AZDPS Fingerprint Clearance Card
• This position requires the ability to drive on State business. Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment.

Employees who drive on State business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see A.A.C. ).

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits :

The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services offers a comprehensive benefits package to include :

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster / adopted child (pilot program).
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Referral Incentives available for qualifying positions
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance..

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program . For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our

Retirement :

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
• Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment
30+ days ago